Featured Gold, onyx, and diamond figure pendant

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for any information about this pendant I inherited. It looks like it's stamped as 14k gold. I'm not sure what it is supposed to be? I thought maybe the gold figure is supposed to be wings, but that doesn't seem to fit. I believe the stone is onyx and I'm assuming the gem may be a diamond, but I don't know. I'm also curious about when this may be from? I'm guessing the 80's or 90's. Thanks so much to anyone who takes the time to reply!

Onyx pendant by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 5:51 AM

pendant stamping by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 5:51 AM

Onyx and gold pendant 2 by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 5:45 AM

 

The gold wings bit looks weirdly back to front? Can you show the back in full please?

 

I wonder if the lower part could be an antique gold and onyx pendant/brooch with wings added later to make it into a modern pendant?
Could you post a photo of the entire back, please?

Was there a chain with it? Or maybe a gold and onyx necklace?

 

And a profile/side view?

 

Here are some more photos. It could have been a brooch at one time I suppose. The more I look at it the more I dont know what to make of it! I dont know about the original chain or if it even came with one. It was my mother's, but I don't remember her saying anything about the pendant or wearing it often. I think the part of the pendant with the two onyx stones is the bail. The lower half of the pendant is able to dangle freely on the bail.

Back of pendant by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 4:44 PM

pendant 1 by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 4:50 PM

side view by MTswirls posted Aug 14, 2019 at 4:50 PM

 

Ok, I just uploaded one as a reply to another comment.

 

It's lovely but very strange, the 'wings' still look back to front to me. Are the golds the same colour? There are jewellery people here who make pieces so they may be able to help.

 

Yes the golds appear to be the exact same color and finish. The piece is stamped 14, so I'm assuming that is for 14k gold. There is also another marking next to the 14, but it is difficult to make out. I included a picture of the stamp above.

 

I've seen a lot of flip rings with a cameo on one side; onyx & small diamond on the other. Agree this element has been repurposed from something more Edwardian.

 

I think the center stone mounting is wrong for Edwardian, but honestly, even with all the new fabulous pics, I can't tell how the darn thing is mounted.

Yes, I see it is a four prong setting, but is it mostly flush with the black (like the one @Bronwen posts) or does it sit on top? Or?

 

I see nothing on the the piece for a specific date except the maker's mark which is too small to identify.

 

This was the best photo yet of the mark. Maybe you can get one closer? Also those concentric circular impressions might indicate something.

 

I agree, it is not the usual mounting for an onyx and diamond or onyx and crystal piece of the period. It could be a replacement after the original mount, which would have been more flush, was lost.
The part with the onyx could also be a revival piece, 'modernized' in the 70s. If I remember correctly there was a revival of that onyx and diamond/crystal inlaid jewellery in the late 40s.

 

There is a term for the impressions on the back,they are made with a "wood" dowel type tool and abrasives,but can't remember the specific term. It is used on tools,watch faces,etc.

 

Why would it be on the back of this, do you know? It doesn't seem to be a regular type of decoration.

 

The plot thickens.....

 

The closest thing I could find was "perlage," but if that's what it's supposed to be, I don't think they're doing it right.

Obviously, I could be on the wrong track because this is totally me googling and not me knowing.
https://www.watchtime.com/reference-center/glossary/perlage/

 

The concentric circle decorations I have seen were usually more pronounced, for lack of a better word....

 

Maybe these are unintentional tool marks?

 

It's called "jeweling" in the states and used for many metal surfaces.The marks on the OP's piece is very worn. references.... https://www.cratex.com/jeweling-metal

https://www.cratex.com/jeweling-metal/how-to-jewel-metal